Frank grew up in New Jersey, maintains a home there and was considered for the job when Rice was hired four years ago. But he was curt when the subject of the Rutgers job was raised. “I’m the coach of the Pistons,” Frank said. “Next.”

Pistons coach Lawrence Frank said he has not been in contract with anyone regarding the Rutgers opening. (AP Photo)

Asked whether his personal connections in New Jersey might sway his thinking should Rutgers approach him, Frank said that he hadn’t been in touch with anyone at the university. “I’m very happy as the coach of the Pistons,” he said. “I have not been contacted by anyone. There’s nothing more to say.”

Frank, who was hired in 2011, has one more year on his Pistons contract, and new owner Tom Gores, who took over the team last year, has been rumored to be considering a coaching change. Detroit entered the game against the Celtics at 25-50, having lost 15 of its last 18 since the February trade deadline.